As a recent high-profile ouster shows giving someone the pink slip is not an easy task. Industry veterans, who spoke before the current turn of events, share tips on how to let someone go, no matter what their position is in the company.

In the corporate world, employee dismissal could well be seen as a dark art. ETPanache asks some of India’s seasoned head honchos one simple question – how to fire an employee even while ensuring that their sense of self stays intact:

Nandan Nilekani, co-founder, Infosys“Explain to the employee by saying that when building a growing business, we need people who are ready for the long haul. If they can’t cope with the leaping changes in the company, they need to leave. When you fire someone, you need to give an honest feedback, but with courteousness. Ensure dignity is preserved.”

The Biocon chairperson feels that one should learn from their mistakes and explain the employee about the sacking reason. (Image: BCCL)

“Everyone makes hiring mistakes. But the whole entrepreneurial journey is all about learning. And one must learn from their mistakes. Explain to the employee being fired, about the role he should now be doing and how the earlier one was actually not what was needed.”

Kalpana Morparia hates to fire people unless it is for fraud or bad behaviour. (Image: BCCL)

“You should have the best hiring policy. Pick the best. Pay what the market demands. Don’t compromise at all because they come from a particular business or engineering school. Or maybe because it’s a woman, or happens to be someone from a specific caste. Just pick the best and grow your business so much that the question of firing does not arise. Re-skill people and make them relevant. I hate to fire people unless it is for fraud or bad behaviour.”

For Shikha Sharma, the hiring process should be good and the right talent should be taken. (Image: BCCL)

“When hiring someone, I look for passion, and that is very important. If you are hungry, you put in your best. That, to me, is the most important thing. And basic skills of course. If your hiring process is good, your head count is managed properly and you have the right talent fit. You will need to fire someone only if it’s a bad situation.

Kris Gopalkrishnan, co-founder, Infosys“Hiring mistakes happen. A wrong decision can prove to be a setback for you, especially when you are at a senior level. I advise seniors to spend a lot of time communicating with the candidate and to be careful while doing so. When firing someone, make it as humane as possible. Take into consideration the emotional challenges involved.”

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